Dragon Lost: Dark Kings Book 16.5, Donna Grant

 

What I loved about this story that I felt was lacking and dismissive in other full novels in the series was the inclusion of family.  While Lily's family was peripherally mentioned in Night's Blaze because Kyle played such a pivotal role, most everyone else's family was pretty much abandoned because there would be too many questions when aging became an issue.  Heaven forbid they keep in touch before that happens, but the justification of the danger surrounding them was thin at best.  In Dragon Lost integrated Annita's family really well giving them enough information to feel safe with their daughter following the prophecy while not overwhelming and endangering them.

Annita's family was fantastic on their own as they played an incredible role and were included, considered.  They were supportive and open and as encouraging as they could be.  Having something deep and abiding can only be a benefit not just to Annita, but to the Kings as a whole.  Isolating themselves from potential allies in any form was an error that they are realizing far too late in the game.

The cavern scene where Royden shows Annita his past is something incredibly unique in the series.  No king up to this point has had something so completely untouched, a place or thing that connected the past with the dragon, with the now, and with the mate.  Passion did follow the reveal, but it was the wholly unique experience that was moving.

One bit of information on the Others made me think I missed something in the preceding stories, but it was insight only brought up as Royden was telling Annita their story up to that point.  Having re-read every story from the entire Dark World stories in order over the last few days up to posting this review I know I didn't miss anything.  Anyway, it was a moment that took me out of the story until I realized it was something new.

For such a short story to feel so full and complete with a very different storyline as the series both ramps up and winds down this was so well done and incredibly memorable.  Its simplicity and the way it feels out of place is actually its strength as it focuses on the romance and how mates strengthen their dragon kings rather than divides and distracts them from the threat of the Others.  For the family aspect alone this has such a high rating for me and I'm ready again to jump into the next book of the series.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Destinies can’t be ignored. No one knows that better than Annita. For as long as she can remember, it's been foretold she would find a dragon. A real-life dragon. She’s beginning to think it was all some kind of mistake until she’s swimming in one of the many caves around the island and discovers none other than a dragon. There is no fear as she approaches, utterly transfixed at the sight of the creature. Then he shifts into the shape of a thoroughly gorgeous man who spears her with bright blue eyes. In that instant, she knows her destiny has arrived. And the dragon holds the key to everything.

All Royden wanted was to find an item his brother buried when they were children. It was supposed to be a quick and simple trip, but he should’ve known nothing would be easy with enemies like the Dragon Kings have. Royden has no choice but to trust the beguiling woman who tempts him like no other. And in doing so, they unleash a love so strong, so pure that nothing can hold it back.